I write to you today as a fan of Major
League Baseball, and as a Member of Congress, to voice my opposition to the
recent decision to move the annual Hall of Fame baseball game from the home of
the Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown,
New York. This picturesque and
vibrant town, set against the Catskill Mountains,
is a world-class tourist destination. Central to the development of America’s Pastime, Cooperstown
has a special place in the heart of all Americans. Plans to move the Hall of
Fame game away from the historic Doubleday Field would not only adversely
affect the economy of this community, but would also send a poor message to
millions of baseball fans young and old.

At
a time when professional baseball is seeking positive images in light of
scandals involving performance enhancing drugs, the sight of a simple game of
baseball, played by some of the greatest American athletes ever, in a stadium
that harkens back to simpler times, is a welcomed sight. For nearly 70 years,
this celebration of sport has been woven into the fabric of Central
New York, and any attempt to relocate this event would be severely
detrimental to our community.